MABI

Water Quality

Status

Pogue Brook
Field Measurements

Historic (2006 to 2022) vs. Current (2023)

The plots above show historic ranges for Pogue Brook based on the range of measurements collected from 2006 to 2022 for each month. The outermost band represents the historic maximum and minimum value collected for each month. The second inner band represents the 95% range of historic values by month. The innermost band represents the 50% range of historic values by month. The points represent the most recent measurements collected in 2023 by month. Water quality thresholds are derived from state surface water quality standards. Parameter abbreviations and additional information are defined in “About the Data”.


Lab Chemistry

Historic (2006 to 2022) vs. Current (2023)

The plots above show historic ranges for Pogue Brook based on the range of measurements collected from 2006 to 2022 for each month. The outermost band represents the historic maximum and minimum value collected for each month. The second inner band represents the 95% range of historic values by month. The innermost band represents the 50% range of historic values by month. The points represent the most recent measurements collected in 2023 by month. Water quality thresholds are derived from state surface water quality standards. Parameter abbreviations and additional information are defined in “About the Data”.


The Pogue
Field Measurements

Historic (2006 to 2022) vs. Current (2023)

The plots above show historic ranges for The Pogue based on the range of measurements collected from 2006 to 2022 for each month. The outermost band represents the historic maximum and minimum value collected for each month. The second inner band represents the 95% range of historic values by month. The innermost band represents the 50% range of historic values by month. The points represent the most recent measurements collected in 2023 by month. Water quality thresholds are derived from state surface water quality standards. Parameter abbreviations and additional information are defined in “About the Data”.


Lab Chemistry

Historic (2006 to 2022) vs. Current (2023)

The plots above show historic ranges for The Pogue based on the range of measurements collected from 2006 to 2022 for each month. The outermost band represents the historic maximum and minimum value collected for each month. The second inner band represents the 95% range of historic values by month. The innermost band represents the 50% range of historic values by month. The points represent the most recent measurements collected in 2023 by month. Water quality thresholds are derived from state surface water quality standards. Parameter abbreviations and additional information are defined in “About the Data”.



Water Quantity

Status

Discharge vs. Precipitation

Monthly discharge vs. Daily precipitation for 2023 in Pogue Brook


Lake Water Level

Historic ranges in water level for The Pogue based on the range of measurements collected from 2006 to 2022 for each month. The outermost band represents the historic maximum and minimum value collected for each month. The second inner band represents the 95% range of historic values by month. The innermost band represents the 50% range of historic values by month. The points represent the most recent measurements collected in 2023 by month.


Climate

Current Year

Current vs. 20th Century Baseline

Temperature

Current (2023) monthly climate data (solid) with historic baselines (dashed; left). Monthly deviations from historic baselines in 2023 with positive (red) bars indicating above average deviations, and negative (blue) bars indicating below average deviations (right). Historic baselines are based on NOAA 20th century normals for a given park’s geographic centroid. Current monthly data are derived from NOAA NClimGrid gridded climate dataset extracted for a given park’s geographic centroid.


Precipitation

Current (2023) monthly climate data (solid) with historic baselines (dashed; left). Monthly deviations from historic baselines in 2023 with positive (red) bars indicating above average deviations, and negative (blue) bars indicating below average deviations (right). Historic baselines are based on NOAA 20th century normals for a given park’s geographic centroid. Current monthly data are derived from NOAA NClimGrid gridded climate dataset extracted for a given park’s geographic centroid.


Drought Condition

Weekly drought condition for 2023 based on proportion of a park’s predominant county in each drought level using the U.S. Drought Monitor (left). Cumulative annual precipitation in 2023 by month compared to the 20th century baseline (right). Total monthly precipitation data are derived from NOAA monthly NClimGrid gridded climate data extracted for a given park’s geographic centroid.


About the Sites

MIMA

Water Quality

Status

Mill Brook
Field Measurements

Historic (2006 to 2022) vs. Current (2023)

The plots above show historic ranges for Mill Brook based on the range of measurements collected from 2006 to 2022 for each month. The outermost band represents the historic maximum and minimum value collected for each month. The second inner band represents the 95% range of historic values by month. The innermost band represents the 50% range of historic values by month. The points represent the most recent measurements collected in 2023 by month. Water quality thresholds are derived from state surface water quality standards. Parameter abbreviations and additional information are defined in “About the Data”.


Lab Chemistry

Historic (2006 to 2022) vs. Current (2023)

The plots above show historic ranges for Mill Brook based on the range of measurements collected from 2006 to 2022 for each month. The outermost band represents the historic maximum and minimum value collected for each month. The second inner band represents the 95% range of historic values by month. The innermost band represents the 50% range of historic values by month. The points represent the most recent measurements collected in 2023 by month. Water quality thresholds are derived from state surface water quality standards. Parameter abbreviations and additional information are defined in “About the Data”.


Elm Brook
Field Measurements

Historic (2006 to 2022) vs. Current (2023)

The plots above show historic ranges for Elm Brook based on the range of measurements collected from 2006 to 2022 for each month. The outermost band represents the historic maximum and minimum value collected for each month. The second inner band represents the 95% range of historic values by month. The innermost band represents the 50% range of historic values by month. The points represent the most recent measurements collected in 2023 by month. Water quality thresholds are derived from state surface water quality standards. Parameter abbreviations and additional information are defined in “About the Data”.


Lab Chemistry

Historic (2006 to 2022) vs. Current (2023)

The plots above show historic ranges for Elm Brook based on the range of measurements collected from 2006 to 2022 for each month. The outermost band represents the historic maximum and minimum value collected for each month. The second inner band represents the 95% range of historic values by month. The innermost band represents the 50% range of historic values by month. The points represent the most recent measurements collected in 2023 by month. Water quality thresholds are derived from state surface water quality standards. Parameter abbreviations and additional information are defined in “About the Data”.


Concord River
Field Measurements

Historic (2006 to 2022) vs. Current (2023)

The plots above show historic ranges for Concord River based on the range of measurements collected from 2006 to 2022 for each month. The outermost band represents the historic maximum and minimum value collected for each month. The second inner band represents the 95% range of historic values by month. The innermost band represents the 50% range of historic values by month. The points represent the most recent measurements collected in 2023 by month. Water quality thresholds are derived from state surface water quality standards. Parameter abbreviations and additional information are defined in “About the Data”.


Lab Chemistry

Historic (2006 to 2022) vs. Current (2023)

The plots above show historic ranges for Concord River based on the range of measurements collected from 2006 to 2022 for each month. The outermost band represents the historic maximum and minimum value collected for each month. The second inner band represents the 95% range of historic values by month. The innermost band represents the 50% range of historic values by month. The points represent the most recent measurements collected in 2023 by month. Water quality thresholds are derived from state surface water quality standards. Parameter abbreviations and additional information are defined in “About the Data”.



Water Quantity

Status

Discharge vs. Precipitation

Monthly discharge vs. Daily precipitation for 2023 in Minute Man National Historical Park


Climate

Current Year

Current vs. 20th Century Baseline

Temperature

Current (2023) monthly climate data (solid) with historic baselines (dashed; left). Monthly deviations from historic baselines in 2023 with positive (red) bars indicating above average deviations, and negative (blue) bars indicating below average deviations (right). Historic baselines are based on NOAA 20th century normals for a given park’s geographic centroid. Current monthly data are derived from NOAA NClimGrid gridded climate dataset extracted for a given park’s geographic centroid.


Precipitation

Current (2023) monthly climate data (solid) with historic baselines (dashed; left). Monthly deviations from historic baselines in 2023 with positive (red) bars indicating above average deviations, and negative (blue) bars indicating below average deviations (right). Historic baselines are based on NOAA 20th century normals for a given park’s geographic centroid. Current monthly data are derived from NOAA NClimGrid gridded climate dataset extracted for a given park’s geographic centroid.


Drought Condition

Weekly drought condition for 2023 based on proportion of a park’s predominant county in each drought level using the U.S. Drought Monitor (left). Cumulative annual precipitation in 2023 by month compared to the 20th century baseline (right). Total monthly precipitation data are derived from NOAA monthly NClimGrid gridded climate data extracted for a given park’s geographic centroid.


About the Sites

MORR

Water Quality

Status

Primrose Brook Confluence
Field Measurements

Historic (2006 to 2022) vs. Current (2023)

The plots above show historic ranges for Primrose Brook Confluence based on the range of measurements collected from 2006 to 2022 for each month. The outermost band represents the historic maximum and minimum value collected for each month. The second inner band represents the 95% range of historic values by month. The innermost band represents the 50% range of historic values by month. The points represent the most recent measurements collected in 2023 by month. Water quality thresholds are derived from state surface water quality standards. Parameter abbreviations and additional information are defined in “About the Data”.


Lab Chemistry

Historic (2006 to 2022) vs. Current (2023)

The plots above show historic ranges for Primrose Brook Confluence based on the range of measurements collected from 2006 to 2022 for each month. The outermost band represents the historic maximum and minimum value collected for each month. The second inner band represents the 95% range of historic values by month. The innermost band represents the 50% range of historic values by month. The points represent the most recent measurements collected in 2023 by month. Water quality thresholds are derived from state surface water quality standards. Parameter abbreviations and additional information are defined in “About the Data”.


Indian Grove Brook
Field Measurements

Historic (2006 to 2022) vs. Current (2023)

The plots above show historic ranges for Indian Grove Brook based on the range of measurements collected from 2006 to 2022 for each month. The outermost band represents the historic maximum and minimum value collected for each month. The second inner band represents the 95% range of historic values by month. The innermost band represents the 50% range of historic values by month. The points represent the most recent measurements collected in 2023 by month. Water quality thresholds are derived from state surface water quality standards. Parameter abbreviations and additional information are defined in “About the Data”.


Lab Chemistry

Historic (2006 to 2022) vs. Current (2023)

The plots above show historic ranges for Indian Grove Brook based on the range of measurements collected from 2006 to 2022 for each month. The outermost band represents the historic maximum and minimum value collected for each month. The second inner band represents the 95% range of historic values by month. The innermost band represents the 50% range of historic values by month. The points represent the most recent measurements collected in 2023 by month. Water quality thresholds are derived from state surface water quality standards. Parameter abbreviations and additional information are defined in “About the Data”.


Passaic River
Field Measurements

Historic (2006 to 2022) vs. Current (2023)

The plots above show historic ranges for Passaic River based on the range of measurements collected from 2006 to 2022 for each month. The outermost band represents the historic maximum and minimum value collected for each month. The second inner band represents the 95% range of historic values by month. The innermost band represents the 50% range of historic values by month. The points represent the most recent measurements collected in 2023 by month. Water quality thresholds are derived from state surface water quality standards. Parameter abbreviations and additional information are defined in “About the Data”.


Lab Chemistry

Historic (2006 to 2022) vs. Current (2023)

The plots above show historic ranges for Passaic River based on the range of measurements collected from 2006 to 2022 for each month. The outermost band represents the historic maximum and minimum value collected for each month. The second inner band represents the 95% range of historic values by month. The innermost band represents the 50% range of historic values by month. The points represent the most recent measurements collected in 2023 by month. Water quality thresholds are derived from state surface water quality standards. Parameter abbreviations and additional information are defined in “About the Data”.



Water Quantity

Status

Discharge vs. Precipitation

Monthly discharge vs. Daily precipitation for 2023 in Morristown National Historical Park


Climate

Current Year

Current vs. 20th Century Baseline

Temperature

Current (2023) monthly climate data (solid) with historic baselines (dashed; left). Monthly deviations from historic baselines in 2023 with positive (red) bars indicating above average deviations, and negative (blue) bars indicating below average deviations (right). Historic baselines are based on NOAA 20th century normals for a given park’s geographic centroid. Current monthly data are derived from NOAA NClimGrid gridded climate dataset extracted for a given park’s geographic centroid.


Precipitation

Current (2023) monthly climate data (solid) with historic baselines (dashed; left). Monthly deviations from historic baselines in 2023 with positive (red) bars indicating above average deviations, and negative (blue) bars indicating below average deviations (right). Historic baselines are based on NOAA 20th century normals for a given park’s geographic centroid. Current monthly data are derived from NOAA NClimGrid gridded climate dataset extracted for a given park’s geographic centroid.


Drought Condition

Weekly drought condition for 2023 based on proportion of a park’s predominant county in each drought level using the U.S. Drought Monitor (left). Cumulative annual precipitation in 2023 by month compared to the 20th century baseline (right). Total monthly precipitation data are derived from NOAA monthly NClimGrid gridded climate data extracted for a given park’s geographic centroid.


About the Sites

ROVA

Water Quality

Status

Lower FDR Brook
Field Measurements

Historic (2006 to 2022) vs. Current (2023)

The plots above show historic ranges for Lower FDR Brook based on the range of measurements collected from 2006 to 2022 for each month. The outermost band represents the historic maximum and minimum value collected for each month. The second inner band represents the 95% range of historic values by month. The innermost band represents the 50% range of historic values by month. The points represent the most recent measurements collected in 2023 by month. Water quality thresholds are derived from state surface water quality standards. Parameter abbreviations and additional information are defined in “About the Data”.


Lab Chemistry

Historic (2006 to 2022) vs. Current (2023)

The plots above show historic ranges for Lower FDR Brook based on the range of measurements collected from 2006 to 2022 for each month. The outermost band represents the historic maximum and minimum value collected for each month. The second inner band represents the 95% range of historic values by month. The innermost band represents the 50% range of historic values by month. The points represent the most recent measurements collected in 2023 by month. Water quality thresholds are derived from state surface water quality standards. Parameter abbreviations and additional information are defined in “About the Data”.


Upper FDR Brook
Field Measurements

Historic (2006 to 2022) vs. Current (2023)

The plots above show historic ranges for Upper FDR Brook based on the range of measurements collected from 2006 to 2022 for each month. The outermost band represents the historic maximum and minimum value collected for each month. The second inner band represents the 95% range of historic values by month. The innermost band represents the 50% range of historic values by month. The points represent the most recent measurements collected in 2023 by month. Water quality thresholds are derived from state surface water quality standards. Parameter abbreviations and additional information are defined in “About the Data”.


Lab Chemistry

Historic (2006 to 2022) vs. Current (2023)

The plots above show historic ranges for Upper FDR Brook based on the range of measurements collected from 2006 to 2022 for each month. The outermost band represents the historic maximum and minimum value collected for each month. The second inner band represents the 95% range of historic values by month. The innermost band represents the 50% range of historic values by month. The points represent the most recent measurements collected in 2023 by month. Water quality thresholds are derived from state surface water quality standards. Parameter abbreviations and additional information are defined in “About the Data”.


Lower Crum Elbow Creek
Field Measurements

Historic (2006 to 2022) vs. Current (2023)

The plots above show historic ranges for Lower Crum Elbow Creek based on the range of measurements collected from 2006 to 2022 for each month. The outermost band represents the historic maximum and minimum value collected for each month. The second inner band represents the 95% range of historic values by month. The innermost band represents the 50% range of historic values by month. The points represent the most recent measurements collected in 2023 by month. Water quality thresholds are derived from state surface water quality standards. Parameter abbreviations and additional information are defined in “About the Data”.


Lab Chemistry

Historic (2006 to 2022) vs. Current (2023)

The plots above show historic ranges for Lower Crum Elbow Creek based on the range of measurements collected from 2006 to 2022 for each month. The outermost band represents the historic maximum and minimum value collected for each month. The second inner band represents the 95% range of historic values by month. The innermost band represents the 50% range of historic values by month. The points represent the most recent measurements collected in 2023 by month. Water quality thresholds are derived from state surface water quality standards. Parameter abbreviations and additional information are defined in “About the Data”.


Maritje Kill
Field Measurements

Historic (2006 to 2022) vs. Current (2023)

The plots above show historic ranges for Maritje Kill based on the range of measurements collected from 2006 to 2022 for each month. The outermost band represents the historic maximum and minimum value collected for each month. The second inner band represents the 95% range of historic values by month. The innermost band represents the 50% range of historic values by month. The points represent the most recent measurements collected in 2023 by month. Water quality thresholds are derived from state surface water quality standards. Parameter abbreviations and additional information are defined in “About the Data”.


Lab Chemistry

Historic (2006 to 2022) vs. Current (2023)

The plots above show historic ranges for Maritje Kill based on the range of measurements collected from 2006 to 2022 for each month. The outermost band represents the historic maximum and minimum value collected for each month. The second inner band represents the 95% range of historic values by month. The innermost band represents the 50% range of historic values by month. The points represent the most recent measurements collected in 2023 by month. Water quality thresholds are derived from state surface water quality standards. Parameter abbreviations and additional information are defined in “About the Data”.


Fall Kill
Field Measurements

Historic (2006 to 2022) vs. Current (2023)

The plots above show historic ranges for Fall Kill based on the range of measurements collected from 2006 to 2022 for each month. The outermost band represents the historic maximum and minimum value collected for each month. The second inner band represents the 95% range of historic values by month. The innermost band represents the 50% range of historic values by month. The points represent the most recent measurements collected in 2023 by month. Water quality thresholds are derived from state surface water quality standards. Parameter abbreviations and additional information are defined in “About the Data”.


Lab Chemistry

Historic (2006 to 2022) vs. Current (2023)

The plots above show historic ranges for Fall Kill based on the range of measurements collected from 2006 to 2022 for each month. The outermost band represents the historic maximum and minimum value collected for each month. The second inner band represents the 95% range of historic values by month. The innermost band represents the 50% range of historic values by month. The points represent the most recent measurements collected in 2023 by month. Water quality thresholds are derived from state surface water quality standards. Parameter abbreviations and additional information are defined in “About the Data”.



Water Quantity

Status

Discharge vs. Precipitation

Monthly discharge vs. Daily precipitation for 2023 in Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Sites


Climate

Current Year

Current vs. 20th Century Baseline

Temperature

Current (2023) monthly climate data (solid) with historic baselines (dashed; left). Monthly deviations from historic baselines in 2023 with positive (red) bars indicating above average deviations, and negative (blue) bars indicating below average deviations (right). Historic baselines are based on NOAA 20th century normals for a given park’s geographic centroid. Current monthly data are derived from NOAA NClimGrid gridded climate dataset extracted for a given park’s geographic centroid.


Precipitation

Current (2023) monthly climate data (solid) with historic baselines (dashed; left). Monthly deviations from historic baselines in 2023 with positive (red) bars indicating above average deviations, and negative (blue) bars indicating below average deviations (right). Historic baselines are based on NOAA 20th century normals for a given park’s geographic centroid. Current monthly data are derived from NOAA NClimGrid gridded climate dataset extracted for a given park’s geographic centroid.


Drought Condition

Weekly drought condition for 2023 based on proportion of a park’s predominant county in each drought level using the U.S. Drought Monitor (left). Cumulative annual precipitation in 2023 by month compared to the 20th century baseline (right). Total monthly precipitation data are derived from NOAA monthly NClimGrid gridded climate data extracted for a given park’s geographic centroid.


About the Sites

SAGA

Water Quality

Status

Blow-Me-Up Brook
Field Measurements

Historic (2006 to 2022) vs. Current (2023)

The plots above show historic ranges for Blow-Me-Up Brook based on the range of measurements collected from 2006 to 2022 for each month. The outermost band represents the historic maximum and minimum value collected for each month. The second inner band represents the 95% range of historic values by month. The innermost band represents the 50% range of historic values by month. The points represent the most recent measurements collected in 2023 by month. Water quality thresholds are derived from state surface water quality standards. Parameter abbreviations and additional information are defined in “About the Data”.


Lab Chemistry

Historic (2006 to 2022) vs. Current (2023)

The plots above show historic ranges for Blow-Me-Up Brook based on the range of measurements collected from 2006 to 2022 for each month. The outermost band represents the historic maximum and minimum value collected for each month. The second inner band represents the 95% range of historic values by month. The innermost band represents the 50% range of historic values by month. The points represent the most recent measurements collected in 2023 by month. Water quality thresholds are derived from state surface water quality standards. Parameter abbreviations and additional information are defined in “About the Data”.


Blow-Me-Down Brook
Field Measurements

Historic (2006 to 2022) vs. Current (2023)

The plots above show historic ranges for Blow-Me-Down Brook based on the range of measurements collected from 2006 to 2022 for each month. The outermost band represents the historic maximum and minimum value collected for each month. The second inner band represents the 95% range of historic values by month. The innermost band represents the 50% range of historic values by month. The points represent the most recent measurements collected in 2023 by month. Water quality thresholds are derived from state surface water quality standards. Parameter abbreviations and additional information are defined in “About the Data”.


Lab Chemistry

Historic (2006 to 2022) vs. Current (2023)

The plots above show historic ranges for Blow-Me-Down Brook based on the range of measurements collected from 2006 to 2022 for each month. The outermost band represents the historic maximum and minimum value collected for each month. The second inner band represents the 95% range of historic values by month. The innermost band represents the 50% range of historic values by month. The points represent the most recent measurements collected in 2023 by month. Water quality thresholds are derived from state surface water quality standards. Parameter abbreviations and additional information are defined in “About the Data”.



Water Quantity

Status

Discharge vs. Precipitation

Monthly discharge vs. Daily precipitation for 2023 in Saint-Gaudens National Historic Park


Climate

Current Year

Current vs. 20th Century Baseline

Temperature

Current (2023) monthly climate data (solid) with historic baselines (dashed; left). Monthly deviations from historic baselines in 2023 with positive (red) bars indicating above average deviations, and negative (blue) bars indicating below average deviations (right). Historic baselines are based on NOAA 20th century normals for a given park’s geographic centroid. Current monthly data are derived from NOAA NClimGrid gridded climate dataset extracted for a given park’s geographic centroid.


Precipitation

Current (2023) monthly climate data (solid) with historic baselines (dashed; left). Monthly deviations from historic baselines in 2023 with positive (red) bars indicating above average deviations, and negative (blue) bars indicating below average deviations (right). Historic baselines are based on NOAA 20th century normals for a given park’s geographic centroid. Current monthly data are derived from NOAA NClimGrid gridded climate dataset extracted for a given park’s geographic centroid.


Drought Condition

Weekly drought condition for 2023 based on proportion of a park’s predominant county in each drought level using the U.S. Drought Monitor (left). Cumulative annual precipitation in 2023 by month compared to the 20th century baseline (right). Total monthly precipitation data are derived from NOAA monthly NClimGrid gridded climate data extracted for a given park’s geographic centroid.


About the Sites

SARA

Water Quality

Status

Kroma Kill
Field Measurements

Historic (2006 to 2022) vs. Current (2023)

The plots above show historic ranges for Kroma Kill based on the range of measurements collected from 2006 to 2022 for each month. The outermost band represents the historic maximum and minimum value collected for each month. The second inner band represents the 95% range of historic values by month. The innermost band represents the 50% range of historic values by month. The points represent the most recent measurements collected in 2023 by month. Water quality thresholds are derived from state surface water quality standards. Parameter abbreviations and additional information are defined in “About the Data”.


Lab Chemistry

Historic (2006 to 2022) vs. Current (2023)

The plots above show historic ranges for Kroma Kill based on the range of measurements collected from 2006 to 2022 for each month. The outermost band represents the historic maximum and minimum value collected for each month. The second inner band represents the 95% range of historic values by month. The innermost band represents the 50% range of historic values by month. The points represent the most recent measurements collected in 2023 by month. Water quality thresholds are derived from state surface water quality standards. Parameter abbreviations and additional information are defined in “About the Data”.


Upper Mill Creek
Field Measurements

Historic (2006 to 2022) vs. Current (2023)

The plots above show historic ranges for Upper Mill Creek based on the range of measurements collected from 2006 to 2022 for each month. The outermost band represents the historic maximum and minimum value collected for each month. The second inner band represents the 95% range of historic values by month. The innermost band represents the 50% range of historic values by month. The points represent the most recent measurements collected in 2023 by month. Water quality thresholds are derived from state surface water quality standards. Parameter abbreviations and additional information are defined in “About the Data”.


Lab Chemistry

Historic (2006 to 2022) vs. Current (2023)

The plots above show historic ranges for Upper Mill Creek based on the range of measurements collected from 2006 to 2022 for each month. The outermost band represents the historic maximum and minimum value collected for each month. The second inner band represents the 95% range of historic values by month. The innermost band represents the 50% range of historic values by month. The points represent the most recent measurements collected in 2023 by month. Water quality thresholds are derived from state surface water quality standards. Parameter abbreviations and additional information are defined in “About the Data”.


Mill Creek Confluence
Field Measurements

Historic (2006 to 2022) vs. Current (2023)

The plots above show historic ranges for Mill Creek Confluence based on the range of measurements collected from 2006 to 2022 for each month. The outermost band represents the historic maximum and minimum value collected for each month. The second inner band represents the 95% range of historic values by month. The innermost band represents the 50% range of historic values by month. The points represent the most recent measurements collected in 2023 by month. Water quality thresholds are derived from state surface water quality standards. Parameter abbreviations and additional information are defined in “About the Data”.


Lab Chemistry

Historic (2006 to 2022) vs. Current (2023)

The plots above show historic ranges for Mill Creek Confluence based on the range of measurements collected from 2006 to 2022 for each month. The outermost band represents the historic maximum and minimum value collected for each month. The second inner band represents the 95% range of historic values by month. The innermost band represents the 50% range of historic values by month. The points represent the most recent measurements collected in 2023 by month. Water quality thresholds are derived from state surface water quality standards. Parameter abbreviations and additional information are defined in “About the Data”.



Water Quantity

Status

Discharge vs. Precipitation

Monthly discharge vs. Daily precipitation for 2023 in Saratoga National Historical Park


Climate

Current Year

Current vs. 20th Century Baseline

Temperature

Current (2023) monthly climate data (solid) with historic baselines (dashed; left). Monthly deviations from historic baselines in 2023 with positive (red) bars indicating above average deviations, and negative (blue) bars indicating below average deviations (right). Historic baselines are based on NOAA 20th century normals for a given park’s geographic centroid. Current monthly data are derived from NOAA NClimGrid gridded climate dataset extracted for a given park’s geographic centroid.


Precipitation

Current (2023) monthly climate data (solid) with historic baselines (dashed; left). Monthly deviations from historic baselines in 2023 with positive (red) bars indicating above average deviations, and negative (blue) bars indicating below average deviations (right). Historic baselines are based on NOAA 20th century normals for a given park’s geographic centroid. Current monthly data are derived from NOAA NClimGrid gridded climate dataset extracted for a given park’s geographic centroid.


Drought Condition

Weekly drought condition for 2023 based on proportion of a park’s predominant county in each drought level using the U.S. Drought Monitor (left). Cumulative annual precipitation in 2023 by month compared to the 20th century baseline (right). Total monthly precipitation data are derived from NOAA monthly NClimGrid gridded climate data extracted for a given park’s geographic centroid.


About the Sites

WEFA

Water Quality

Status

Weir Pond
Field Measurements

Historic (2006 to 2022) vs. Current (2023)

The plots above show historic ranges for Weir Pond based on the range of measurements collected from 2006 to 2022 for each month. The outermost band represents the historic maximum and minimum value collected for each month. The second inner band represents the 95% range of historic values by month. The innermost band represents the 50% range of historic values by month. The points represent the most recent measurements collected in 2023 by month. Water quality thresholds are derived from state surface water quality standards. Parameter abbreviations and additional information are defined in “About the Data”.


Lab Chemistry

Historic (2006 to 2022) vs. Current (2023)

The plots above show historic ranges for Weir Pond based on the range of measurements collected from 2006 to 2022 for each month. The outermost band represents the historic maximum and minimum value collected for each month. The second inner band represents the 95% range of historic values by month. The innermost band represents the 50% range of historic values by month. The points represent the most recent measurements collected in 2023 by month. Water quality thresholds are derived from state surface water quality standards. Parameter abbreviations and additional information are defined in “About the Data”.



Water Quantity

Status


Lake Water Level

Historic ranges in water level for Weir Pond based on the range of measurements collected from 2006 to 2022 for each month. The outermost band represents the historic maximum and minimum value collected for each month. The second inner band represents the 95% range of historic values by month. The innermost band represents the 50% range of historic values by month. The points represent the most recent measurements collected in 2023 by month.


Climate

Current Year

Current vs. 20th Century Baseline

Temperature

Current (2023) monthly climate data (solid) with historic baselines (dashed; left). Monthly deviations from historic baselines in 2023 with positive (red) bars indicating above average deviations, and negative (blue) bars indicating below average deviations (right). Historic baselines are based on NOAA 20th century normals for a given park’s geographic centroid. Current monthly data are derived from NOAA NClimGrid gridded climate dataset extracted for a given park’s geographic centroid.


Precipitation

Current (2023) monthly climate data (solid) with historic baselines (dashed; left). Monthly deviations from historic baselines in 2023 with positive (red) bars indicating above average deviations, and negative (blue) bars indicating below average deviations (right). Historic baselines are based on NOAA 20th century normals for a given park’s geographic centroid. Current monthly data are derived from NOAA NClimGrid gridded climate dataset extracted for a given park’s geographic centroid.


Drought Condition

Weekly drought condition for 2023 based on proportion of a park’s predominant county in each drought level using the U.S. Drought Monitor (left). Cumulative annual precipitation in 2023 by month compared to the 20th century baseline (right). Total monthly precipitation data are derived from NOAA monthly NClimGrid gridded climate data extracted for a given park’s geographic centroid.


About the Sites

About the Data

Background

Freshwater resources are affected and stressed by natural and anthropogenic (human) impacts and alterations. Current and historic threats to aquatic ecosystems in NPS units throughout the northeastern U.S. have led to specific physical, biological, or chemical stressors to the freshwater ecosystems. The documentation of baseline water quality and water quantity is essential to the long-term maintenance of freshwater resources and for interpreting changes (natural or anthropogenic) that are occurring within and surrounding parks. Monitoring water resources assists natural resource managers in identifying and addressing stressors in park freshwater ecosystems.

The Northeast Temperate Network monitors freshwater bodies to assess the status of and changes in their physical, chemical, and biological attributes. Sampling is performed monthly from May through October. All monitoring data are incorporated into a comprehensive database that feeds into an Environmental Protection Agency data system.

More information about this monitoring program can be found on the NETN Water Quality and Quantity Website. Additional resources can be found in the NETN Lake, Pond, & Stream Monitoring Program in the Data Store (Reference 2190885), including the latest monitoring protocol and summary reports. If you have questions about the program or this report, please contact Bill Gawley, NETN Physical Scientist.


Monitoring Methods

Monitoring Frequency

NETN water monitoring sites are sampled monthly from May through October, and most sites are visited annually. Some ACAD sites are visited on a 2-year (streams) or 3-year (lakes) rotating schedule. Each month, field crews measure physical and in situ water quality parameters and collect water samples for chemical analysis at the University of Maine’s Sawyer Environmental Research Center.

Field Measurements

Temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, specific conductance, and turbidity are measured with a multiparameter sonde. In lakes, a series of measurements taken at 1 m increments through the water column create a water quality profile, documenting conditions at various depths and lake stratification (when present). In streams, the sonde is deployed in the centroid of the stream flow and a single measurement of each parameter is recorded at each site visit. Note: Lake water quality values presented in this report are derived from measurements taken from the top 2 meters of the profile, and represent conditions in the lake surface layer (epilimnion).

Stream flow (discharge) is measured at each site using U.S. Geological Survey protocols. A measuring tape is used to measure a cross-section of the stream, and water velocity is recorded using a wading rod and mechanical or Doppler current meter.

Transparency (water clarity) in lakes is measured with a 20 cm (8 in) Secchi disk fastened to a measuring tape and observed with a viewing scope. Light penetration profiles are recorded using two solar radiation sensors and a datalogger.

Sample Collection for Lab Chemistry

Stream water is collected by submerging the sample bottle directly in the centroid of the streamflow with a gloved hand. Samples are analyzed for Acid Neutralizing Capacity (ANC), total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), and dissolved organic carbon (DOC).

Samples from lakes shallower than 3 m are collected as a half-meter grab sample. Samples from lakes deeper than 3 m are collected with a weighted core sample tube lowered to the bottom of the epilimnion, creating a composite sample of water from all depths of the surface layer. Lake samples are analyzed for Acid Neutralizing Capacity (ANC), total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), and chlorophyll a.


Field Measurement Metrics

Dissolved Oxygen (DO) in mg/L or % saturation

Dissolved oxygen (DO) is a measure of the amount of oxygen in water that is available to living aquatic organisms, and is necessary for the survival and growth of many aquatic organisms. DO can enter water by photosynthesis of plants or directly from the atmosphere, and it is lost by temperature rise, plant and animal respiration, and bio-chemical reactions. The DO concentration of surface water also depends on water temperature and air pressure. High pressures and cool temperatures allow more oxygen to be dissolved in the water. Due to changes in temperature, DO has strong daily and seasonal variability.

Low DO is highly concerning because of its detrimental effects on aquatic life. Conditions that generally contribute to low DO include warm temperatures, low flows, water stagnation, shallow gradients in streams, organic matter inputs, and high respiration rates. Decay of excessive organic debris from aquatic plants, municipal or industrial discharges, or storm runoff can also cause low DO.

There are two measures of DO: milligrams per liter (mg/L) and % saturation. Milligrams per liter indicates the absolute amount of oxygen present in the water, whereas % saturation indicates how much is present as compared to a theoretical maximum determined by water temperature. Note: This summary reports DO in mg/L only.

pH

pH is important to aquatic life because it has a profound impact on the toxicity and solubility of many chemicals, such as ammonia, aluminum, and some other contaminants. This is because changes in pH affect the dissociation of weak acids or bases, which in turn affects their toxicity. For example, hydrogen cyanide toxicity to fish increases with lowered pH, whereas rapid increases in pH increase NH3 (ammonia) concentrations. Metal mobility is also enhanced by low pH, which can have a significant impact on water bodies located in areas contaminated by acid deposition or heavy metals (e.g. mining).

The pH of water is measured on a scale that most commonly ranges from 0 (acid) to 14 (basic/alkaline). The pH scale is logarithmic, meaning each pH unit increase represents a 10x decrease in hydrogen ion concentration. For comparative reference, pure water has a pH of 7 (neutral).

Specific Conductance (SpCond)

Specific conductance is a temperature-corrected measure of the electrical conductivity of water and is directly related to ion concentration. The capacity of water to conduct an electrical current, i.e. its conductivity, is highly dependent on temperature and may change as much as 3% for each 1°C change. Thus, it is necessary to correct for temperature because a significant change in conductivity may simply be due to water temperature and not due to changes in ions in the water.

Water input, such as from a spring, groundwater, rain, confluence or other sources can affect the conductivity of water. For example, low-conductivity streams typically have less groundwater input than high-conductivity streams. As a result, their flow and temperature regimes are more dynamic. Likewise, reductions in flow from dams or river diversions can also alter conductivity levels. Although an increase in conductivity may indicate an increase of an ion that is toxic to aquatic life, the conductivity of a water body has little to no direct effect on aquatic life. Conductivity also indicates the degree to which a watershed's bedrock and mineral soil resists erosion.

Specific conductance is also useful in estimating the concentration of dissolved solids in water. Electric current is carried by dissolved inorganic solids such as chloride, carbonate, nitrate, sulfate, and phosphate anions (negatively charged particles), as well as sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, and aluminum cations (positively charged particles). Anthropogenic discharges to surface waters can change the conductivity. For example, a failing sewage system would raise the conductivity because of the presence of chloride, phosphate, and nitrate, while an oil spill would lower the conductivity. Other common sources of pollution that can affect specific conductance are de-icing salts, dust reducing compounds, and agriculture (primarily from the liming of fields).

Conductivity is measured in microsiemens per centimeter (µS/cm). For reference, distilled water has a conductivity in the range of 0.5 to 3 µS/cm, while the conductivity of rivers in the United States generally ranges from 50 to 1500 µS/cm. Studies of inland fresh waters indicate that streams supporting good mixed fisheries have a range between 150 and 500 µS/cm. Conductivity outside this range could indicate that the water is not suitable for certain species of fish or macroinvertebrates. By contrast, industrial waters can range as high as 10,000 µS/cm.

Water Temperature

Several of the water chemistry parameters are water temperature dependent, such as DO and specific conductance. High temperature can also stress aquatic organisms, particularly those adapted to habitats with cooler temperatures such as trout. Temperature is reported in °C.


Lab Chemistry Metrics

Acid Neutralizing Capacity (ANC)

ANC is a measure of the amount of compounds in the water that neutralize strong acids, also known as “buffering capacity”. ANC is the prime indicator of a waterbody’s susceptibility to acid inputs, with higher ANC values indicating greater resistance to the effects of acid. The measured ANC refers to the alkalinity of an unfiltered water sample. ANC is typically caused by anions (negatively charged particles) in natural waters that can chemically react with a strong acid. Carbonate (CO32-) and bicarbonate (HCO3-) ions are the most common, although borates, phosphates, silicates, arsenate, and ammonium can also contribute to ANC when present.

Total Phosphorus (TP)

Phosphorus (P) is one of the major nutrients needed for plant growth. It is generally present in small amounts in natural freshwater systems and typically limits the plant growth in streams and ponds. Several forms of phosphorus can be tested, and total phosphorus (TP) was selected as the most meaningful measure of this nutrient for NETN. TP is a measure of both inorganic and organic forms of phosphorus and is the common water quality standard or criteria metric.

Total Nitrogen (TN)

Nitrogen (N), often the limiting nutrient in marine waters, is an essential plant element and can also be the limiting nutrient in some freshwater systems. The importance of nitrogen in the aquatic environment varies according to the relative amounts of the forms of nitrogen present, including nitrate, nitrite, and ammonia. Nitrate is one of the dissolved, inorganic forms of nitrogen most available for biological uptake and the chemical transformation that can lead to eutrophication of water bodies. Nitrate is highly mobile in surface and groundwater and may seep into streams, lakes, and estuaries from groundwater enriched by animal or human wastes and commercial fertilizers. High concentrations of nitrate can enhance the growth of algae and aquatic plants in a manner similar to phosphorus enrichment and thus cause eutrophication of a water body. Total nitrogen (TN) is a measure of all forms of nitrogen (organic and inorganic) and was chosen as the most useful N metric for NETN water monitoring.

Chlorophyll a

The amount of chlorophyll a in a water sample is a measure of the concentration of suspended phytoplankton and can be used as an indicator of algal biomass and thus of water quality. Chlorophyll a is responsible for photosynthesis and is found in various forms within the living cells of algae, phytoplankton, and other aquatic plant matter. Like other biological response variables, chlorophyll a tends to integrate the stresses of various parameters over time, and thus is often an important nutrient-stress parameter to measure.


Water Quality Thresholds and Criteria

EPA Ecoregional Nutrient Criteria

EPA water quality criteria by Ecoregion are used as a benchmark in this summary. EPA water quality criteria for nutrients help translate narrative criteria within State or Tribal water quality standards by establishing values for causal variables (e.g., total nitrogen and total phosphorus) and response variables (e.g., turbidity and chlorophyll a). Causal variables are necessary to provide sufficient protection of designated uses before impairment occurs and to maintain downstream uses. Early response variables are necessary to provide warning signs of possible impairment and to integrate the effects of variable and potentially unmeasured nutrient loads.

These criteria are designed to represent conditions of surface waters that are minimally impacted by human activities and thus protect against the adverse effects of nutrient over-enrichment from cultural eutrophication. The values are EPA’s scientific recommendations regarding ambient concentrations of nutrients that protect aquatic resource quality. They do not have any regulatory impact or meaning.

Water quality thresholds represent the lower 5th percentile of reference waters in the region, and separate moderate from most disturbed sites. Least disturbed thresholds below represent the upper 75th percentile of reference sites.

Lakes TP (ug/L) TN (mg/L) Chl. A (ug/L) Turbidity (NTU)
Least disturbed 14.5 0.4 3.81 1.1
Most disturbed 22 0.6 7.76 1.46
Streams TP (ug/L) TN (mg/L) Salinity as Conductivity (ug/L)
Least disturbed 17.1 0.345 500
Most disturbed 32.6 0.482 1000

Connecticut State Water Quality Standards

Connecticut water quality standards define ranges of total phosphorus, total nitrogen, chlorophyll a, and Secchi disk transparency which are assessed collectively to determine the trophic state of a lake or pond. For the purpose of determining consistency with the water quality standard, the natural trophic state of a lake or pond is compared with the current trophic state to determine if it has been altered due to excessive anthropogenic inputs. Lakes and ponds in advanced trophic states which exceed their natural trophic state due to anthropogenic sources are considered to be inconsistent with water quality standards.

Connecticut lake and pond water quality standards

Water quality classification code Maximum Temperature (&#176;F) Minimum Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) pH Range (standard units) Maximum Total Nitrogen (mg/L) Maximum Total Phosphorus (&#181;g/L) Maximum Chlorophyll <em>a</em> (&#181;g/L) Minimum Secchi Disk Depth (m)
Mesotrophic 85, or maximum of 4&#176; increase from natural conditions 5.0 6.5&ndash;8.0 0.2&ndash;0.6 10&ndash;30 2&ndash;15 2&ndash;6
Eutrophic 0.6&ndash;1.0 30&ndash;50 15&ndash;30 1&ndash;2

Note: When quantitative state water quality standards are not defined, EPA water quality thresholds are used (see EPA Ecoregional Nutrient Criteria tables above).

Maine State Water Quality Standards

All waters in national parks are considered outstanding national resource waters (ONRW) in Maine. The water quality of ONRW must be maintained and protected. Class AA is the highest classification and its standards shall be applied to waters that are outstanding natural resources.

“Class AA waters must be of such quality that they are suitable for the designated uses of drinking water after disinfection, fishing, agriculture, recreation in and on the water, navigation, and as habitat for fish and other aquatic life. The habitat must be characterized as free-flowing and natural. The aquatic life, DO, and bacteria content of Class AA waters shall be as naturally occurs”. No quantitative criteria are given for AA waters, but DO content of Class A waters (the next lowest classification) “shall be not less than 7 parts per million [7 mg/L] or 75 percent of saturation, whichever is higher”.

Great ponds and natural ponds and lakes less than 10 acres in size are all classified as Class GPA waters. “Class GPA waters must be of such quality that they are suitable for the designated uses of drinking water after disinfection, recreation in and on the water, fishing, agriculture, industrial process and cooling water supply, hydroelectric power generation, navigation, and as habitat for fish and other aquatic life. The habitat must be characterized as natural”.

“Class GPA waters shall be described by their trophic state based on measures of the chlorophyll a content, Secchi Disk Depth (SD), total phosphorus content, and other appropriate criteria.” Water quality standards for Maine indicate that class GPA waters “shall have a stable or decreasing trophic state, subject only to natural fluctuations, and shall be free of culturally induced algal blooms”.

Maine stream water quality standards

Water quality classification code Maximum Temperature (&#176;F) Minimum Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) pH Range (standard units) Maximum Total Nitrogen (mg/L) Maximum Total Phosphorus (&#181;g/L) Turbidity (NTU)
AA As naturally occurs) 7.0 (or 75% saturation) As naturally occurs As naturally occurs As naturally occurs &ndash;

Maine lake and pond water quality standards

Water quality classification code Maximum Temperature (&#176;F) Minimum Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) pH Range (standard units) Maximum Total Nitrogen (mg/L) Maximum Total Phosphorus (&#181;g/L) Maximum Chlorophyll <em>a</em> (&#181;g/L) Minimum Secchi Disk Depth (m)
GPA As naturally occurs As naturally occurs As naturally occurs As naturally occurs As naturally occurs As naturally occurs As naturally occurs

Note: When quantitative state water quality standards are not defined, EPA water quality thresholds are used (see EPA Ecoregional Nutrient Criteria tables above).

Massachusetts State Water Quality Standards

Massachusetts surface water quality standards designate Class A waters as “excellent habitat for fish, other aquatic life and wildlife, and suitable for primary and secondary contact recreation”. ORW is used to denote those waters, other than Public Water Supplies, designated for protection as outstanding resources. The DO concentrations of Class A waters “shall not be less than 6.0 mg/L in cold water fisheries and not less than 5.0 mg/L in warm water fisheries. Where natural background conditions are lower, DO shall not be less than natural background conditions.” Temperature “Shall not exceed 68°F (20°C) based on the mean of the daily maximum temperature over a seven day period in cold water fisheries, unless naturally occurring… Temperature shall not exceed 83°F (28°C) in warm water fisheries… pH shall be in the range of 6.5 through 8.3 standard units but not more than 0.5 units outside of the natural background range… These waters shall be free from color and turbidity in concentrations or combinations that are aesthetically objectionable or would impair any use assigned to this class”.

Massachusetts stream water quality standards

Water quality classification code Maximum Temperature (&#176;F) Minimum Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) pH Range (standard units) Maximum Total Nitrogen (mg/L) Maximum Total Phosphorus (&#181;g/L) Turbidity (NTU)
A 68 (cold) 6.0 (cold) 6.5&ndash;8.3 As naturally occurs As naturally occurs Not objectionable and does not impair use
83 (warm) 5.0 (warm)

Note: When quantitative state water quality standards are not defined, EPA water quality thresholds are used (see EPA Ecoregional Nutrient Criteria tables above).

New Hampshire State Water Quality Standards

Surface waters designated as natural are considered outstanding resource waters (ORW) in New Hampshire. “Water quality shall be maintained and protected in surface waters that constitute ORW”. Class A is the most protective surface water classification in New Hampshire’s Surface Water Quality Regulations.

According to the standards, “Class A waters shall have a dissolved oxygen content of at least 75% saturation, based on a daily average, and an instantaneous minimum of at least 6 mg/L at any place or time except as naturally occurs… For the period from October 1st to May 14th, in areas identified by the fish and game department as cold water fish spawning areas of species whose early life stages are not directly exposed to the water, the 7 day mean dissolved oxygen concentration shall be at least 9.5 mg/L and the instantaneous minimum dissolved oxygen concentration shall be at least 8 mg/L… surface waters within the top 25 percent of depth of thermally unstratified lakes, ponds, impoundments and reservoirs or within the epilimnion shall contain a dissolved oxygen content of at least 75 percent saturation, based on a daily average and an instantaneous minimum dissolved oxygen content of at least 5 mg/L.”

The standards state that Class A waters shall contain no color, turbidity, phosphorus, or nitrogen “unless naturally occurring.” Additionally, “there shall be no change in temperature in class A waters, unless naturally occurring… The pH of Class A waters shall be as naturally occurs. The pH of Class B waters shall be 6.5 to 8.0, unless due to natural causes”. The standards also provide criteria for ammonia that vary by pH, temperature and the animal species of concern for toxicity (general, salmonids, or fish).

New Hampshire stream water quality standards

Water quality classification code Maximum Temperature (&#176;F) Minimum Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) pH Range (standard units) Maximum Total Nitrogen (mg/L) Maximum Total Phosphorus (&#181;g/L) Turbidity (NTU)
A As naturally occurs 6.0 (or 75% saturation) 6.5&ndash;8.0 As naturally occurs As naturally occurs As naturally occurs

New Hampshire lake and pond water quality standards

Water quality classification code Maximum Temperature (&#176;F) Minimum Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) pH Range (standard units) Maximum Total Nitrogen (mg/L) Maximum Total Phosphorus (&#181;g/L) Maximum Chlorophyll <em>a</em> (&#181;g/L) Minimum Secchi Disk Depth (m)
Ponds As naturally occurs 5.0 (or 75% saturation) 6.5&ndash;8.0 As naturally occurs As naturally occurs &ndash; &ndash;

Note: When quantitative state water quality standards are not defined, EPA water quality thresholds are used (see EPA Ecoregional Nutrient Criteria tables above).

New Jersey State Water Quality Standards

New Jersey water quality standards designate the general surface water classification applied to freshwater bodies as FW. FW1 means those freshwater bodies that are to be maintained in their natural state of quality and not subjected to any man-made wastewater discharges or increases in runoff from anthropogenic activities. These waters are set aside for posterity because of their clarity, color, scenic setting, or other characteristic of aesthetic value, unique ecological significance, exceptional recreational significance, exceptional water supply significance, or exceptional fisheries resource(s).

“Surface water quality criteria for FW1 waters shall be maintained as to quality in their natural state”. The tributaries in the Passaic River Watershed in MORR are all listed as FW2 waters. Surface-water quality criteria for FW2 waters state that DO concentrations shall be “not less than 7.0 mg/L at any time” and that “temperatures shall not exceed a daily maximum of 22°C or rolling seven-day average of the daily maximum of 19°C, unless due to natural conditions” (specifically for FW2-TP waters; TP refers to waters supporting trout production). For all FW2 waters, total phosphorus cannot exceed 0.1 mg/L, pH must remain between 6.5 and 8.5, sulfate must be below 250 mg/L, and for turbidity a “maximum 30-day average of 15 NTU, a maximum of 50 NTU at any time”. For all waters, “except as due to natural conditions, nutrients shall not be allowed in concentrations that render the waters unsuitable for the existing or designated uses”.

New Jersey stream water quality standards

Water quality classification code Maximum Temperature (&#176;F) Minimum Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) pH Range (standard units) Maximum Total Nitrogen (mg/L) Maximum Total Phosphorus (&#181;g/L) Turbidity (NTU)
FW2 72 (66 for 7-day average max temp) 7.0 6.5&ndash;8.5 As naturally occurs 100 50 (15 for 30-day average)

Note: When quantitative state water quality standards are not defined, EPA water quality thresholds are used (see EPA Ecoregional Nutrient Criteria tables above).

New York State Water Quality Standards

New York’s Surface Water Quality Standards designates Class AA as the most restrictive stream classification for water quality. The standards for phosphorus and nitrogen state that there will be “none in amounts that will result in growths of algae, weeds and slimes that will impair the waters for their best usages.” pH “shall not be less than 6.5 nor more than 8.5,” and turbidity “shall not exceed 5 nephelometric units”.

“For trout spawning waters (TS), the DO concentration shall not be less than 7.0 mg/L from other than natural conditions. For trout waters (T), the minimum daily average shall not be less than 6.0 mg/L, and at no time shall the concentration be less than 5.0 mg/L. For nontrout waters, the minimum daily average shall not be less than 5.0 mg/L, and at no time shall the DO concentration be less than 4.0 mg/L”.

New York stream water quality standards

Water quality classification code Maximum Temperature (&#176;F) Minimum Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) pH Range (standard units) Maximum Total Nitrogen (mg/L) Maximum Total Phosphorus (&#181;g/L) Turbidity (NTU)
AA &ndash; 7.0 (cold) 6.5&ndash;8.5 No algae growth No algae growth &ndash;
4.0 (warm)

Note: When quantitative state water quality standards are not defined, EPA water quality thresholds are used (see EPA Ecoregional Nutrient Criteria tables above).

Vermont State Water Quality Standards

In all waters in Vermont, “the change or rate of change in temperature, either upward or downward, shall be controlled to ensure full support of aquatic biota, wildlife, and aquatic habitat uses… [For cold water fish habitat,] the total increase from the ambient temperature resulting from all activities shall not exceed 1°F." In lakes, ponds, and reservoirs the total increase from ambient temperature shall not exceed 1°F if the ambient temperature is above 60°F; 2°F if the ambient temperature is between 50 and 60°F; and 3°F if the ambient temperature is below 50°F. In all other waters, the totaly increase from ambient temperature shall not exceed 1°F if the ambient temperature is above 66°F; 2°F if the ambient temperature is between 63 and 66°F; 3°F if the ambient temperature is between 59 and 62°F; 4°F if the ambient temperature is between 55 and 58°F; and 5°F if the ambient temperature is below 55°F.

All total phosphorus and nitrate concentrations “shall be limited so that they will not contribute to the acceleration of eutrophication or the stimulation of the growth of aquatic biota in a manner that prevents the full support of uses”. In lakes, ponds, and reservoirs, nitrate concentrations are “not to exceed 5.0 mg/L as NO3-N regardless of classification”. In class A(1) waters, nitrates are “not to exceed 2.0 mg/L as NO3-N at flows exceeding low median monthly flows”.

There should be no color “that would prevent the full support of uses,” and pH “shall be maintained with the range of 6.5 and 8.5”. Turbidity will not be present “in such amounts or concentrations that would prevent the full support of uses, and not to exceed 10 NTU… as an annual average under dry weather base-flow conditions”.

DO concentrations are as naturally occurs in all Class A(1) ecological waters. DO concentrations in cold water fish habitat is “not less than 7 mg/L and 75 percent saturation at all times, nor less than 95 percent saturation during late egg maturation and larval development of salmonids in areas that the Secretary determines are salmonid spawning or nursery areas important to the establishment or maintenance of the fishery resource. Not less than 6 mg/L and 70 percent saturation at all times in all other waters designated as a cold water fish habitat.” In warm water fish habitat DO concentrations are “not less than 5 mg/L and 60 percent saturation at all times”.

Vermont stream water quality standards

Water quality classification code Maximum Temperature (&#176;F) Minimum Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) pH Range (standard units) Maximum Total Nitrogen (mg/L) Maximum Total Phosphorus (&#181;g/L) Turbidity (NTU)
A(1) &ndash; 6.0&ndash;7.0 (or 70&ndash;75% saturation; cold) 6.5&ndash;8.0 2.0 As naturally occurs 10
5.0 (or 60% saturation; warm

Vermont lake and pond water quality standards

Water quality classification code Maximum Temperature (&#176;F) Minimum Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) pH Range (standard units) Maximum Total Nitrogen (mg/L) Maximum Total Phosphorus (&#181;g/L) Maximum Chlorophyll <em>a</em> (&#181;g/L) Minimum Secchi Disk Depth (m)
Ponds &ndash; 5.0 (or 60% saturation) 6.5&ndash;8.0 5 As naturally occurs &ndash; &ndash;

Note: When quantitative state water quality standards are not defined, EPA water quality thresholds are used (see EPA Ecoregional Nutrient Criteria tables above).

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